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Today in History: Paris stages first modern Monteverdi opera

5/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 16, Paris hosted the first modern staging of Claudio Monteverdi’s 1639 opera *Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria*. The Baroque work, long dormant since its Venetian debut, retells the Odyssey’s finale—Ulysses defeating Penelope’s suitors. The revival underscores Monteverdi’s pivotal role bridging Renaissance and Baroque music.

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Story summary

On May 16, Paris hosted the first modern staging of Claudio Monteverdi’s 1639 opera *Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria*. The Baroque work, long dormant since its Venetian debut, retells the Odyssey’s finale—Ulysses defeating Penelope’s suitors. The revival underscores Monteverdi’s pivotal role bridging Renaissance and Baroque music.